“I didn’t look at the goal, to be honest, and as a striker, you’ve got to know where the goal is,” said Mattocks, whose performance against LA earned him MLS Team of the Week honours. “It was a very tight angle, to be honest. It reminds me of my rookie season back in Toronto, where I scored one similar, but this one was more difficult, and it was really great to see that go in.”

The 67th-minute goal was important, as it brought his side back on level terms with a Galaxy side that looked comfortable for large chunks of the match for the first hour.

Then when Robbie Keane put the visitors ahead, Mattocks again played a role in the game-tying goal, cutting back a pass to the top of the area for Kekuta Manneh to score a screamer from the edge of the area in the 86th minute. It was the second such time this season Mattocks, who now leads the 'Caps with three assists, set up Manneh for a late equalizer.

“We showed guts,” Mattocks said of the result. “I think we’ve really got to give the team the credit. Determination and work ethic were really good by the team.”

Martin MacMahon covers the Vancouver Whitecaps for MLSsoccer.com.

It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.